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WORLD  Srila Prabhupada: The Prominent Link BY DRAVINAKSA DAS USA, Feb 5 (VNN) — Book Review by Dravinaksa Das "Srila Prabhupada: The Prominent Link" by Dhira Govinda Das A refreshing new entry in the discussion of the process of initiation, Srila Prabhupada: The Prominent Link examines how many members of Srila Prabhupada's movement who did not receive formal initiation from him experience Srila Prabhupada as the primary giver of direct transcendental knowledge. The book begins with a Foreword by Ambarisa Dasa, who characterizes the ideas as "common sense" and urges us to read the essay "with an open mind, and readiness for investigation and discussion." Next, Balavanta Dasa, in the Preface, provides an overview of the issues and encourages intelligent, mature discussion. He writes "If intelligence is suppressed, then ISKCON will not attract intelligent people and will not flourish." After an introductory chapter, the second chapter discusses the process of initiation and the importance of divya-jnana, transcendental knowledge, coming directly from Srila Prabhupada. Chapter three examines the disciplic succession as described in Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, with relation to the meaning and essence of initiation. A chapter titled "Additional Perspectives on Srila Prabhupada's Position" describes the potency of transcendental sound, and looks at the unique and primary role that Srila Prabhupada plays in the lives of many members of his movement. Then, a section surprisingly entitled "Srila Prabhupada is Qualified to be Worshiped" furnishes an exposition on honoring great Vaisnavas and suggests possibilities and considerations regarding worship practices in Srila Prabhupada's movement. In the next three chapters, entitled "Terms of Relegation", "Responsibility", and "Scenarios", the author brings the philosophy to a practical level and then ties it together and further clarifies concepts in the Questions and Answers section. Srila Prabhupada: The Prominent Link is concise and easy reading, and offers fresh realizations and perspectives on a topic as old as Time Himself. It can be ordered from the above address. 52 Pages, 6 3/4 X 8 1/2, soft cover, staple bound, $4.95 from Dhira Govinda Das, P.O. Box 1694, Alachua, FL. 32616-1694, U.S.A.  Comment on this storyContact VNN about this storySend this story to a friend
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